Alan White, 44, the sub-postmaster at Broken Cross post office, on Chelford Road, said "The people of Broken Cross do not deserve to lose their post office.

"It is a viable office and when I was told we would close I was gobsmacked.We were the runner up in the best post office competition for the North West two years ago, we meet all requirements for disabled customers and sales are excellent."

The post office decide which offices stay and go using certain "access criteria" and the government have said that 90 per cent of the population should be within a mile of the nearest branch.

Alan added: "The nearest office for Broken Cross residents will be Upton Priory but the office has fewer services, is not on the bus route so if you are a pensioner how will you get there?"

Yesterday’s announcement is part of the Area Plan, which proposes to close 67 of the 380 branches in Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, and Cheshire.It kicks off a six-week public consultation on whether the branches chosen for closure are the right ones to go.

The Bollinbrook post office has been closed since July 2007 and the Express has followed resident support to save the office.

Councillor for Bollinbrook Ainsley Arnold, who presented a 400-signature petition to the Post Office to save the office, said: "It is an easy option for the Post Office to shut the Bollinbook branch because of its current situation. But it was a well-used facility and it is very sad that people will have to go elsewhere." Sutton councillor Hilda Gaddum said: "It’s disgraceful as the people of Wincle and Wildboarclough have already lost their branches.

"Now there won’t be another before Macclesfield and this is no good for the elderly residents who don’t have a car."

Bollington East Councillor Graham Evans said: "It’s bad news for Bollington, we have already lost one of our post offices."

The independent watchdog for postal services Postwatch is urging customers to get involved in the consultation.

Richard Lynds, Post Office Ltd’s network development manager for the North West, said: "Taking the decision to close any Post Office branch is always very difficult and we want to ensure that everyone who relies on Post Office services is able to give views on the changes."

If you want to speak out about the closures, representations should be received by July 21. Write to: Richard Lynds, Network Development Manager, c/o National Consultation Team, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM, email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk or call the customer helpline on 08457 223344.